2/17/24 Email

2/17/2024
By now you should have received a letter from Bishop Knestout asking for your support of the Annual Diocesan Appeal, and your generosity is beginning to come in, either in the mail
or online. This weekend is what we call “in-pew weekend,” when pastors across the Diocese share information about the Appeal during Mass and give parishioners the
opportunity to make a gift at that time.

So, if you have already made a gift or are considering one, I have a question: What is your “why?” Why do you support the Annual Diocesan Appeal?

Are you most enthusiastic about ministries that are Empowering the Next Generation? Your donations support Seminarian Education, Campus, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, the Segura Educational Initiative for Children, and a new Spanish version of Unveiled, our marriage preparation program.

Or are you most moved by the category we call Providing for Those in Need? The Fuel and Hunger Fund, support for Retired Priests as well as Saint Francis – Manchester, Home Mission Grants, and Migrant Ministry are made possible by the Appeal. In addition, the Mother Teresa Fund helps those less fortunate lay their loved ones to rest by assisting them with funeral expenses.

Or how about the way the Appeal helps with Strengthening Catholic Communities, through funding for Lay Leadership, Hispanic Ministry, and Asian Ministry programs, to name just three of many? The most significant way in which the Appeal contributes to our Catholic communities is through Parish Sharing. Each year, the single largest category funded by the Appeal is the money sent back to our parishes, and it is up to each parish to determine how that money is used.

You might have one thing that really drives you to give to the Appeal. Maybe you are passionate about many of them and understand that your generosity makes a difference. Regardless, I would love to know your “why.” I hope to hear from you!

God Bless,

Margaret

P.S. Of course, any development person worth their salt is going to give you the link to make a gift right here and now. Thank you for considering how you can help!